Defending Horse of the Year Panocchio (No Pan Intended) scored his first local Open win of the harness racing season on Saturday night at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.
The Jimmy Mattison-trained five year old was the Spa's standout last year and wound up earning the awards for top pacer and horse of the year.
Following a fourth place finish in his return to Saratoga last week, Panocchio showed early speed when bet down to be the $18,000 Open's 3-5 public choice on Saturday night.
Driver Gerry Mattison got a soft second quarter for the star pacer en route to a first half in 57.3. From there, Panocchio would not be denied, holding off challenges from Talking Blues (Jim Devaux) and Upfront Countryboy (Bruce Aldrich Jr) in the stretch to secure his third win of the '15 campaign after prevailing in Pompano's Open twice this spring.
Panocchio moved his career earnings to over the $200,000 mark with the Saturday score which came in 1:54.3.
Talking Blues completed the $13.80 exacta while the triple with Upfront Countryboy third came back $51.00
Live racing continues on Sunday afternoon at the Spa with a matinee beginning at 12:45pm.
Mike Sardella